Abstract
Using a rat model of subdural haematoma which is associated with ischaemic damage in the ipsilateral hemisphere, we have measured cerebral blood flow and release of excitatory amino acids after the haematoma. A more than sevenfold rise in glutamate and aspartate, persisting for forty minutes occurred in the severely ischaemic cortex (CBF < 5 ml 100 gm−1 min−1) and a threefold, sustained rise was seen in hippocampus, although CBF was preserved (85 ml/100 g/−1 min−1). Excitotoxic mechanisms may, therefore, be involved in the ischaemic damage associated with subdural haematoma.